Lin Ping, the first panda born in Thailand, may be returned to Chiang Mai Zoo by May 2014 provided she finds a mate in China by October of this year.
The panda, whose parents Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui currently reside at Chiang Mai zoo, will be returned to China to adjust and prepare for mating season. Giant pandas are said to breed between February and May, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul. This is why it is important for the giant panda to find a mate by October 2013.
If a suitable mate is found, the couple will be sent back to Thailand by May next year and will spend at least another 15 years at the Chiang Mai Zoo. Lin Ping and her parents are popular attractions at the zoo and even star in their own television show. Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui are also slated to go back to China by October, but Thai officials are negotiating to allow them to stay until Lin Ping’s return.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s Environment Ministry will be paying China TBH14.8 million to extend the stay of Lin Ping’s parents, which is double the amount they previously paid. The fee will be USD $1 million a year, or close to TBH30 million, for Lin Ping and her mate.
